Mars Sample Return   A typical sterilisation process for a lander, in this case Beagle 2. The lander will be heated and cleaned chemically or using an alcohol, depending on the instrument part. A hydrogen peroxide plasma treatment will oxidise biological material and an ultraviolet light irradiation will also help sterilise the instrument's components.   Artist's view of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) ascent module lifting off from Mars' surface with the Martian soil samples.